A cardiorespiratory polygraphy (AKA simple PSG) is a simplified version of an overnight polysomnography designed to detect the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. The test is performed in the comfort of your own home by wearing a small, easy-to-use device while you sleep that measures several important parameters; nasal airflow, respiratory effort, pulse, and oxygen saturation. A simple PSG device is capable of detecting the presence of apnea events, the type of apnea, and the severity of the apneas over the course of the night.
The process begins by scheduling an appointment at the Montreal Sleep Centre. At the initial appointment, our technicians will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You will be explained how to use the sleep testing device and sent home to use the device that night. This initial appointment at the clinic lasts between 20-30 minutes.
The following day, you will return the equipment to the clinic and a technician will take five minutes to review the quality of the recording. No appointment is necessary when you are coming back to return a sleep testing device. If for some reason the test needs to be repeated the patient will take the device back home with them for another night. There is no additional charge if a test needs to be repeated.
Once the test data is accepted then it will be sent to our analyst for interpretation and then to our sleep specialist physician for a final review. The results are always delivered to patients within 10 business days of performing the test. The report sent to the patient is a 3 page preliminary report that includes test results and diagrams of the parameters measured. If you have a referral from your family doctor or another physician, the results will also be sent to them.
The cardiorespiratory polygraphy diagnostic method offers several advantages:
Despite its many advantages, polygraphy has certain limitations:
The assessment does not replace a complete medical evaluation. Positive results do not allow for a diagnosis of the specific type of sleep apnea without a doctor’s evaluation.
A polysomnography (Level I) is a more comprehensive sleep study aimed at diagnosing sleep-related breathing disorders. It is performed in a laboratory setting and is used to diagnose many conditions, including but not limited to the following;
Although this test is very comprehensive, it is more cumbersome, as it requires heavier equipment to be attached. In addition, the test must be done in a clinic, whereas cardiorespiratory polygraphy can be done at home with lightweight equipment.
A simple test could reveal a sleep apnea disorder. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with increased risk of developing hypertension, Type II diabetes, stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and increased risk of mortality. Some studies have also found there is a higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (Banno et al., 2009).
At the Montreal Sleep Centre, we do our best to accommodate patients’ weekly schedule within our hours of operation. Appointments are usually available within the same working week, but accommodations can be made for patients needing immediate assistance or who have limited availability. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your availability.
You will be sent a copy of your preliminary sleep study results by email. We will also fax your results to your referring physician, or to any of your caring physicians at your request. Once this report is sent to you, you will receive a phone call within the next several days to schedule your appointment with the pulmonologist to go over your results and possible avenues for treatment of symptoms and/or further testing if needed.
The wait time for a sleep test in Montreal’s public hospital system is currently between 3 and 5 years. Once the test is completed it is common for patients to wait between 2-4 months for results. Sleep tests at our clinic can often be scheduled within the same working week and preliminary results are ready within 10 business days.
Treatment of snoring and sleep apnea usually involves the use of a CPAP machine and mask. This equipment is not provided by the hospital system in Quebec and so patients must still use private clinics for purchasing the treatment equipment. Finally, the cost of a clinic sleep test may be covered by your private insurance (not RAMQ) or the receipt may be used with income tax.
The Montreal Sleep Centre currently does not offer treatment for insomnia. If you have a referral from your family doctor or a GP for a pulmonologist or sleep specialist, you may be able to take an appointment with the pulmonologist to discuss your options. For more information, please send us an email at info@sommeilmtl.com.
Monday – Thursday : 9h00 – 17h00
Friday 9h00 – 15h00
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
